SONGWRITING COMPETITION - SWC087 November 2024 - Winners announced

[Mister Fox]

Hello and welcome to the Songwriting Competition 087 - November 2024



BEFORE WE GET STARTED:

• Please consult the official and very simple "Rules and Guidelines" (TL;DR version) for the Songwriting Competition regarding principles of the game, it's engaging game mechanics (allowed editing/re-submission of your entry until the deadline has been reached) and upload/submission guidelines.
• The general idea of this game is to "...just make music", to also challenge yourself by stepping a bit out of your comfort zone, and take a dip at realms you've never worked in before. Instrumentals are just as welcome as productions with vocals.
• The Genre, "Premise" and Rules Summary for this months challenge can always be found in in post #002

Read more about this month's competition further down below. And if you got any question, please also reach out on Discord.



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SONGWRITING COMPETITION THREAD INDEX

Post #001 -- Introduction post and index for the various stages of the Songwriting Competition. Will be updated as we progress
Post #002 -- Submission Period: General Information, Source Material, Sponsors
Post #003 -- Cheat Sheet: A couple of examples / audio demos for this month's challenge (limited if genre is "free to select")
Post #056 -- Voting: Summarized entries and start of voting process
Post #104 -- Results: Results of the Songwriting Competition

[Mister Fox]

CURRENT CHALLENGE - GENERAL INFORMATION

Time Frame: Friday, 01st November 2024 to Sunday, 24th November 2024 (24 days)

Challenge submission will end on 24-NOV-2024, 23:59 UTC+1/CET (Germany) - until further notice.

The current game deadlines can be found on the Global Countdown page and on the landing site. Short reminders will also be sent out via the newsletter, social media and Discord. Does the game time frame feel too long? Why not set yourself a personal shorter one of 5-7 days. Push yourself to focus on the essentials, then use the rest of the time to ask for feedback and possible refinements.



SONGWRITING THEME: "Strings attached"
GENRE: free to select (with a focus on guitars)



Image Source: Pexels, photo by cottonbro studio



A few word about this month's theme:

Throughout the last years, I always tried to have a certain guideline for "Rocktober" / "Metal November" songwriting games. This month, I would like to try something new.

Instead of focusing on a specific genre of rock or metal music and perhaps setting the entry threshold a little too high, why not simplify? There is one common denominator - and that is the guitar. Have you always wanted to experiment with this instrument? This month you have the opportunity to do so.
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Your task for this Songwriting Competition:
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This month, you can create a production in any music genre you feel like. However, you are kindly asked to build something around at least one or more guitars. Be it an acoustic or an electric guitar.


The genre is not important. It can be a singer/songwriter style song (minimalistic, just guitar and voice, or a small arrangement with 4-6 instruments), chamber music, guitar ambient music, pop, rock, metal. Whatever you would like to try this month, or feel comfortable with. You set the entry level yourself - as long as you have a focus on guitars.

As usual, and I seem to have to emphasize this every month, you are not required to add vocals. Although I do notice that some of you fancy vocal synths as of late. Instrumental content is more than welcome with every game. Experiment, have fun. Ideally, the song runtime should be between 2:00 minutes and 8:00 minutes.


Looking forward to your creations.

Songwriting Rule Summary:

► Show Spoiler

Summary:

• create a production fitting to the given theme, genre and general premise
• you can use any tool that is at your disposal (samples, virtual instruments and/or real instruments), exceptions apply regarding vocal sample usage)
• IMPORTANT: if you use non-licensed material (as in: non royalty free material from sample CDs, etc), give full credit to the source material
• for newcomers: no finished productions that have already been released outside of the time frame of the current Songwriting Competition (Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, etc), no cover versions or remixes of other artists, no ripped acapella's -- please only showcase your own new and original content (you are allowed to "remix yourself", recreate an old project, etc)
• do not go higher than -14,0 LUFS ILk/-1,00 dBTP in terms of perceived loudness (mastering). Music doesn't have to be squashed to bits in order to be impactful
• name your files properly prior to uploading and make the production downloadable. If you opt to present your entry through SoundCloud, the forum can also convert your links into a Soundcloud player through the [soundcloud] BBCode from the text editor (orange square with a white cloud in it)

Add-On Rules:

• have a focus on guitars, the genre is up to you
• <no (additional) add-on rules specified>

Filename Template: SWC087__ArtistName__TrackName.wav or .mp3

• example: SWC087__MisterFox__ColorOfTheSky.wav
• example: SWC087__Mister_Fox__Color_of_the_sky.wav

Please also try to provide only one file format (ideally the highest quality possible).


For a full set of rules, please consult the Official Rules and Guidelines (see Rule Book post #6). If you got any questions regarding the game mechanics or similar, please either utilize the global Gossip and Discussion thread, or reach out through Discord.

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LICENSE SPONSORS (Bonus Prizes):

A huge thank you goes to our very generous License Sponsors for this month's game. Those being (in alphabetical order):

Cherry Audio, Ghostwave Audio, Hollow Sun, Hornet Plugins, IK Multimedia, JRR Sounds, kv331 audio, Luftrum, Musiclab, Rekkerd Sounds, satyatunes - Sound / Graphic Design, and Tone2.


A detailed list of offerings can be found in the following information block.

► Show Spoiler

Available Bonus Prizes for Songwriting Challenge participants:

Note: All licenses are NFR (Not-For-Resale), except where noted.
Changes to available prices on short notice may be possible and will be announced separately.


RECURRING LICENSE SPONSORSHIP:


Cherry Audio is kind enough to give away one license of Voltage Modular Ignite, plus either a license of "Year One Collection" or "Year Two Collection"
Licenses will turn into NFR
More info on Cherry Audio: https://cherryaudio.com



IK Multimedia is kind enough to give away one license of MODO BASS 2 to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on IK Multimedia: https://www.ikmultimedia.com



Musiclab is kind enough to donate any 1 guitar of your choice to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Musiclab: https://www.musiclab.com



Tone2 is kind enough to donate a license of Saurus4 to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Tone2: https://tone2.com



kv331 audio is kind enough to either give away a SynthMaster 1+2 Bundle, or a freely selectable set of 3 SynthMaster Expansions
Licenses will not turn into NFR, you need to have a kv311 audio user account in order to pick up Expansions
More info on kv331 audio: https://www.kv331audio.com



JRR Sounds is kind enough to give away any-1 sound sets or sample set of winner's choice (exception: Bundles)
More info on JRR Sounds: https://www.jrrshop.com/jrr-sounds



Luftrum is kind enough to give away either a license of Lunaris 2, a license of Bioscape, or any two sound sets of winner's choice
License will turn into NFR
More info on Luftrum: https://www.luftrum.com/



Rekkerd Sounds is kind enough to give away 1 sound set of winners choice (exception: Krezie EDM and Neurofunk Vol. 1)
License will turn into NFR
More info on Rekkerd Sounds: https://sounds.rekkerd.org/



Ghostwave Audio (Vincent Bastiat) is kind enough to donate any 2 sound sets to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Ghostwave Audio: https://ghostwaveaudio.com



Hollow Sun is kind to donate one license of "Music Laboratory Machines - The Suite I" to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Hollow Sun: http://www.hollowsun.com



Hornet Plugins is kind enough to give away any one license of winner's choice, alternatively any-2 licenses "Custom Bundle" with a total value less than 20 EUR MSRP
License will turn into NFR
More info on Hornet Plugins: https://www.hornetplugins.com



Sound / Graphic Designer, and honorary Mix Challenge staff satYatunes is donating one commercial product of winner's choice (until further notice)
More info on satYatune's page: https://satyatunes.com/



THANKS FOR THE DONATIONS!
And also a thank you to all former contributors as well.

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Good luck to all participants.
And most importantly, have fun!

[Mister Fox]

AUDIO EXAMPLES:
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Articles and Info Pages:

A great starting point is the "Addendum"/Supplementary thread for the Songwriting Competition
Songwriting Competition - Addendum: Music Maps and BPM Charts

Since the genre this month is "free to select", there are no clear pointers




Music examples (selection for inspiration, 00 videos):

No music examples available this month. However, I can always recommend to enter random genre search words either on YouTube, Spotify or other music streaming services you prefer using.
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If you're new to songwriting, or you are in need for new helper tools, instruments, samples or presets -- please check out the following:

Songwriting Competition - Addendum: Tools to help with songwriting (outsourced megathread)


This mega thread also mentions companies that offer either free versions or demo versions of guitars, bass and drum instruments. Please have a closer look.


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UPDATED: 31-OCT-2024 12:30 UTC+1, updated 00-OCT-2024 00:00 UTC+1

[Mister Fox]

⚠	Moderation Message from Mister Fox
	License Sponsors Musiclab are kind enough to offer an extension / renewal of their instrument demo period. This is a special offer for SWC087 / November 2024. If you've already used up your demo time (14 days), and want to take another look at the Musiclab guitars, or if you are in the middle of testing the software/songwriting for SWC087, but the demo timer is about to run out, you can kindly request a trial extension. This is how it works: Please reach out to Musiclab via their support request form as subject, please use "Requesting trial period prolongation" as text, please write "I am kindly requesting a trial period extension for <your full name> as part of the Mix Challenge audio community collaboration (SWC087 / November 2024).", please also copy this game thread link and paste it into the text message Musiclab need the following information from you full name and email address of the person requesting the extension (as in: you) computer model, OS and DAW version Real instrument model and version (e.g. RealStrat, version 6.1.0.7549) The turnaround should be within 24 hours on workdays. Please be patient, and please check your spam filters.

If you want to get more out of your Musiclab instruments, I highly recommend taking a closer look a the available video tutorials.

You can find the whole collection via this link

phpBB [media]

Most notably the videos titled:

• Tutorial. Strumming -- especially for the acoustic guitars and the just released RealGMS
• Tutorial. Key Switches Solo Mode Walkthrough
• Tutorial. Simulating Guitar Techniques with KeySwitch FXs
• Tutorial. Creating Vibrato and Bend via MIDI CC#1 Automation (available for multiple DAWs)
• MusicLab V6. Humanize (tipp as longtime user: either reduce the "Strength" to 75% to make things "more tight" - which affects all settings, or only reduce the timing parameters in half to add just "a touch" more randomness)

The examples work for all "Real Instrument" engine variants.

[A Future in Noise]

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Composer and lyricist: A Future in Noise

Mixing: Ben Stuart-Brown, a.k.a. BenjiRage

Real instruments: e-gtr Burn Out

Vocals: A Future in Noise

Intrument plugins: Kontakt Player (gtr), MODO BASS, Hybrid synth, the Zynaddsubfx synth (the bell pad), Sine Player (Orchestral tools) brass sounds and strings, BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover (double basses).

Various bell-like sounds, and timpani, downloaded from Splice

Remaining notes, drums included:

DRUMS
Multi-Sampled Drums Shells:
14x7" DW Edge Snare (close mic top / close mic bottom / overheads)
Toms from Reason Drum-kits Refill (close mic top / overheads)
22x16" Tama Swingstar Kick (close mic)

Multi-Sampled Sabian Cymbals:
15" HHX Hi-Hats
19" HHX Legacy Crash
19" HHX X-Plosion Crash
20" HHX X-Plosion Crash
22" HHX Evolution Ride

• Samples loaded into NN-XT units inside Reason Rack Plugin
• Compression largely using PSP Vintage Warmer and Massey CT5
• EQ'ed with FabFilter Pro-Q 3, BX SSL E-Channel and Analogue Obsession Rare
• Waves Kramer PIE on the drum bus
• Metric Halo Thump for extra kick low end
• Valhalla Room Reverb for added space and "realness"
• Timpani reinforced with an additional AIR XPand2 instrument


VOCALS
• Tuned lightly in Melodyne
• Compressed with PSP Vintage Warmer
• EQ'ed with BX SSL E-Channel and Massey VT3
• BX Stereomaker on the vocal overdubs for extra width
• Lots of effects on the "enlightenment" vocals including D16 Devastator distortion, Graillon II to pitch them lower, delay and some auto-panning
• Reason Neptune auto-tune on the backing vocals
• Valhalla Vintage Verb and AIR Multi-Delay for effects on all vocals channels
• Oeksound Soothe2 lightly used on the vocal bus to tame any harshness without killing the top end


GUITARS AND BASS
• AVID Eleven Lite guitar amp simulation
• Audiffex GK AMP and Brainworx Ampeg SVT-3 bass amp sims
• PSP Vintage Warmer compression
• FabFilter Pro-Q 3 and BX SSL E-Channel EQ
• Valhalla Vintage Verb and Valhalla Uber Mod (chorus) for effects
• Massey CT5 compressor on the guitar bus sidechained to the kick drum


SYNTHS AND BRASS
• Extra u-he Diva synth pad added in two sections
• A little bit of EQ here and there
• Slight compression on the trumpets but otherwise uncompressed
• Vintage Verb, Uber Mod and Multi-Delay effects
• Massey CT5 compressor on the synth bus sidechained to the kick drum


MIX BUS
• Waves Kramer Tape adding a little bit of high-end enhancement, saturation and slap delay
• Waves API-2500 adding a couple of dB compression
• Pro-Q 3 doing a side channel bass rolloff at 48Hz and a little boost at 3.5kHz
• DMG Audio Track Control widening the stereo field to 111%
• DMG Audio Limitless keeping the level in check
• TC Electronic LM2N to monitor loudness


Lyrics:

► Show Spoiler

Verse 1
Hit by a sudden curse
from heaven
but it looks like
it is gone
did I ever believe
in those fairy tales

Chorus 1
Picture a season
you cannot escape
hosted by Santa Clause
he is the prophet from heaven
dealing with various gifts:
promises and lies

Verse 2
It was so obvious
last Christmas
that the cleric was aware
that

Chorus 2
There is no comfort
as long as you are
looking for Santa Clause
he is the prophet from heaven
dealing with various gifts

dealing with power
he built it on fraud
he is no Santa Clause
no
he is the prophet from heaven
nothing's gonna stop him now

Bridge
Enlightenment, Enlightenment – what happened to the Enlightenment?

[trumpet solo]

Chorus 3
… he is the prophet from heaven
over and over again

Picture a season
you cannot escape
signs in a long parade
Santa was meant for believers
meaning you can't get enough
(of) victories to come

isn't it obvious?

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[Ike H-mope]

I would be grateful for any comments on this, and also any other comments.

For an in-progress mix, I don't hear anything specifically wrong other than balancing and maybe doing something so the vocals sit better (whether volume, compression, carving a panning/eq space for it in the mix, whatever approach works).

If I were mixing, I'd address:

I like buried vocals, so like that yours aren't too forward, but they can still sit better.

Drums seem too loud or too forward.

Mix and individual parts are too "clean" and "pristince" to my ears, but that's very subjective. Without going overboard, I'd add subtle saturation to the parts, whether a dedicated plugin or compressors or eqs with "color" to them.

Drums need their own "glue" reverb or compression, and so does the entire mix.


Of course all just one person's opinions.

[A Future in Noise]

I would be grateful for any comments on this, and also any other comments.

Drums seem too loud or too forward.

That's certainly true.

I have reduced the volume for the snare and the kick by 2 dB, and toms by 1 dB. I also increased the vox by 1 dB (also the dub track) - as a test. Because honestly I thought the vocals were on a good level before, but I'm thinking I should listen through the song, again, with these changes made, in a while, and see what I think.

But in fact, it is actually the case that I "tricked" a lot with my voice. More saturation than this is hard for me to imagine. (Antares AVOX-Throat + Vocal Menace.) But of course it could be true that saturation is needed on other tracks.

So thank you, @Ike H-mope. I should have noticed those too loud drums myself. But sometimes you get "blind" (/deaf).

[R0boooo]

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Work In Progress



I would be grateful for any comments on this, and also any other comments.

==================================================================================================
Sir:
I think its a good sound, Im no perfectionist or close to an expert. I do know when I like something, And i think its a good start and a good idea.
I do seem to want the track and vocals to be--- as they say glued more. It kinda sounds like the Vocals are sitting on top and not in the mix. The drums, I do know we use what we have, The cymbal hits seem the same hit every time. Also the crunch distortion guitar... My attention kept going to it because of the mid EQ boost. And lastly i kept thinking that a stereo guitar would sound good, play it again, pan, and set a different distortion effect on one so it doesnt sound the same. I tend to always vision im the musician, how would I play if I was that person. And would I want my instrument to sound the same as the other guy thats playing with me. A little Contrast or difference I guess. But Good job Sir.....
R0boooo

[A Future in Noise]

Thanks for feedback. It's difficult for a songwriter to liten to his mix without hearing the “idea” behind the song, at the same time, in his head. However, all other listeners are free of that idea, they just hear what they hear, and that makes them much better reviewers. So it might be a good idea to let someone else do the final mix, and that's probably what will happen in this case.

[PonySho]

Thanks for feedback. It's difficult for a songwriter to liten to his mix without hearing the “idea” behind the song, at the same time, in his head. However, all other listeners are free of that idea, they just hear what they hear, and that makes them much better reviewers. So it might be a good idea to let someone else do the final mix, and that's probably what will happen in this case.

Hi

Regarding feedback...my initial thoughts are that the song needs more contrast in the arrangement. I agree that the mix needs work, but I think that is secondary to the issue of arrangement.
To my ears, there's just too much of the same instrumentation. There's A LOT of guitar that is played in the same style, with little variation between the verse and chorus parts.,

I suggest:
1. strip back the arrangement to have a sparser combination of instruments in verses with more elements in choruses.
2. add a middle-8 and/or a solo part as a kind of 'pallete cleaser' for the listener.

Just my 2 cents. Keep up the good work.